Grambling State University Fires Volleyball Coach Who Cut Whole Team
The Grambling State University volleyball coach who cut the entire team and revoked their scholarships has been fired, the school has announced.
Chelsey Lucas, who was hired Feb. 14 was terminated after an internal investigation over her booting the members of the team after her arrival, USA Today reported.
Chelsey Lucas, Grambling State’s volleyball coach, has been terminated from their Athletics Department. GSU President Rick Gallot, and vice president for Intercollegiate Athletics Dr. Trayvean Scott made the announcement on Tuesday (July 6).
"The success of student-athletes and their ability to matriculate at Grambling State University is the top priority," Scott said, according to USA Today. "As we move forward in this transition and commence a national search for the next coach, all volleyball student-athletes who received scholarships for the 2022-23 academic year will keep their scholarships and remain on the team. Walk-ons will also continue to hold their roster spot."
A Grambling State alum, Lucas was named SWAC defensive player of the year. Prior to being hired by the school, Lucas had coached three seasons at University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff.
Lucas was hired to replace Demetria Keys-Johnson, who left in December. In their 2021 season, Grambling’s women’s volleyball team went 11-17 overall and 8-8 in the SWAC conference. On April 7, she announced that she had informed the 12 returning scholarship members of the team that they would be cut.
“My decision was to not bring back some of the current student-athletes on the team. While student-athletes are granted athletic scholarships, a scholarship is not guaranteed and not binding, per NCAA rules and regulations," she said, according to ESPN.
But in removing her from her position, university administrators disagreed after the findings of the internal investigations.
“It is the responsibility of this institution to make sure that student-athletes are afforded opportunities in a manner compliant with all regulatory organizations, that applies to athletics as much as it does to academics," Gallot said.
Additional comments are being held until the conclusion of the investigation, USA Today said. Grambling has begun a nationwide search for a new coach to take Lucas’ place.
